Studies are being conducted that aim to determine if there are benefits to a newborn being exposed to their parent's vaginal flora. Should parents explore microbiome seeding of their cesarean born newborn with vaginal secretions from the birthing parent?

A study published in Krager Biomedicine Hub indicates that newborns who need additional glucose supplementation are able to achieve stable blood glucose levels with the administration of oral dextrose gel during feeds and prevent NICU admissions.

Virtual breastfeeding visits with a lactation consultant may be an option for those families who can not manage an in-person lactation visit. Learn about this increasingly new option as well as a program that offers this service for free for families who are income-qualified.

November's Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators helps families to understand baby's input and output through the first month of life. It is a fantastic hands-on activity that creates community as class members work in small groups & encourages learning by manipulation & assessment.

There are some fantastic facts about pregnancy, childbirth and the new baby, that when shared, always gets a lot of "oohs" and "ahs" from everyone. Here are the top ten amazing facts about the childbearing year.

Childbirth educators can help families recognize the sleep cues that their infant may be sending them in this fun classroom activity using Emojis that is sure to connect with birthing Millennial families.

The Infant Sleep Information Source (ISIS) in cooperation with Dr. Helen Ball, and the Durham University Parent-Infant Sleep Lab provides up-to-date research based evidence about infant sleep, in forms which are accessible to parents and health professionals.

It is extremely helpful to be able to demonstrate visually what safe bed-sharing looks like during the portion of the class where infant sleep is covered. Thankfully, there are now resources that educators and other professionals can turn to for examples of safe bed-sharing.

Lamaze International has just released the newest addition to their online learning modules available to consumers everywhere. Bringing Home Baby is the eighth course to be released since the Online Parent Learning Center was introduced in July 2014.

About the Blog Manager

Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE has been an active perinatal professional since 2004, teaching Lamaze classes to thousands of families and doula-ing through her private practice in Seattle, WA. Sharon is also a trainer of new birth doulas and childbirth educators. She blogs professionally on perinatal topics. Sharon enjoys facilitating discussion around best practice, current research and its practical application to maternal infant health and community standards. To learn more about Sharon, you are invited to visit her website, SharonMuza.com.